CN107771253B

CN107771253B - Sliding bearing

Info

Publication number: CN107771253B
Application number: CN201680036254.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·F·亨特; Z·M·科齐奥尔; N·F·威廷
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Performance Plastics Corp
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Performance Plastics Corp
Priority date: 2015-06-30
Filing date: 2016-06-27
Publication date: 2020-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-27
Also published as: JP2020073818A; CN111173840B; PL3317553T3; KR102037486B1; JP6634098B2; JP2018519486A; WO2017003927A1; EP3317553B1; KR20180005759A; EP3317553A1; CN107771253A; JP6883299B2; KR102118863B1; US20170002858A1; EP3317553A4; KR20190124802A; US10087984B2; ES2948109T3; CN111173840A

Abstract

A plain bearing comprising a generally cylindrical side wall having a first axial end and a second axial end; and a curved portion disposed at the first axial end, wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, wherein the effective material thickness of the curved portion is n times thicker than the thickness of the substantially cylindrical sidewall, and wherein n is equal to 2, 3, 4, or even 5.

Description

Sliding bearing

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a bearing, and more particularly, to a sliding bearing having a curved portion at an axial end thereof.

Background

Bearings typically provide a low friction sliding interface between mating components. On a substantially horizontal level, the bearing may comprise a low friction material interfacing between two or more components that are movable relative to each other. The low friction material may have a relatively low coefficient of friction, thus facilitating easier movement between two or more movable components. Plain bearings typically comprise a low friction or low friction containing material and comprise a bearing surface without rolling elements. In this respect, they are simple and cost-effective to produce.

The industry that requires the use of bearings continues to demand improved bearings that can operate in an improved manner.

Drawings

The embodiments are shown by way of example and are not intended to be limited in the drawings.

Fig. 1 includes a perspective view of a bearing according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 includes a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bearing according to the embodiment, as viewed along line A-A in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 includes a cross-sectional top elevation view of a bearing according to an embodiment, as seen along line B-B in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 includes a cross-sectional side elevation view of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 5 includes a cross-sectional side elevation view of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 6 includes a perspective view of a substantially cylindrical sidewall before forming a curved portion of a bearing according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 includes a cross-sectional side elevational view of a substantially cylindrical sidewall being urged toward a mold to form a curved portion of a bearing in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The following description, in combination with the figures, is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to help describe the teachings and should not be construed to limit the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments may be used based on the teachings as disclosed in this application.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" means inclusive or rather than exclusive or. For example, condition a or B is satisfied by any one of: a is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), a is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both a and B are true (or present).

Also, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. The description is to be understood as including one, at least one or the singular and also the plural and vice versa unless it is explicitly stated otherwise. For example, when a single article is described herein, more than one article may be used in place of a single article. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for more than one item.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the bearing art.

In general, a bearing in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein may include a substantially cylindrical sidewall and a curved portion disposed at an axial end of the substantially cylindrical sidewall. In embodiments, the curved portion may extend from the substantially cylindrical sidewall, and may even abut the substantially cylindrical sidewall. The curved portion may extend axially and radially from the substantially cylindrical sidewall. In an embodiment, the curved portion may form the radially outermost and axially uppermost position of the bearing.

Bearings having a curved portion as described in certain embodiments herein may provide one or more advantages that will become apparent upon reading the entire specification.

Referring to fig. 1, the bearing 100 may include a generally cylindrical sidewall 102, and a curved portion 108 extending from the generally cylindrical sidewall 102, the generally cylindrical sidewall 102 having a first axial end 104 and a second axial end 106 spaced apart by an axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102. As used herein, "substantially cylindrical" refers to a shape that, when located in a best-fit cylinder having a body of revolution about an axis, deviates from the best-fit cylinder by no more than 15% at any location, no more than 10% at any location, no more than 5% at any location, no more than 4% at any location, no more than 3% at any location, no more than 2% at any location, or no more than 1% at any location. In an embodiment, "substantially cylindrical" may refer to a substantially cylindrical sidewall 102 assembled between inner and outer components, i.e., in an installed state. In another embodiment, "generally cylindrical" may refer to the generally cylindrical sidewall 102 prior to assembly between the inner and outer components, i.e., in an uninstalled state. In a particular embodiment, the substantially cylindrical sidewall may be a cylindrical sidewall having a shape corresponding to a revolution about an axis having two longitudinal planar end sections. In particular embodiments, the cylindrical sidewall may have a nominal surface roughness, such as, for example, that produced during typical machining and manufacturing processes.

In an embodiment, the curved portion 108 may extend from the first axial end 104 of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102. In particular instances, the curved portion 108 may extend axially and radially from the generally cylindrical sidewall 102. In an embodiment, the curved portion 108 may abut the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102. In more particular embodiments, the curved portion 108 may be continuous with the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102. In yet another embodiment, the bearing 100 may have a unitary structure such that the curved portion 108 and the generally cylindrical sidewall 102 are formed from a single piece of continuous material.

In embodiments, the curved portion 108 may have an innermost diameter, typically at or near the junction between the curved portion 108 and the generally cylindrical sidewall 102, and an outermost diameter, as viewed from the central axis 118 of the bearing 100, wherein the outermost diameter is at least 101% of the innermost diameter, at least 102% of the innermost diameter, at least 103% of the innermost diameter, at least 104% of the innermost diameter, or at least 105% of the innermost diameter. The outermost diameter, as seen from the central axis, is the maximum diameter at the point where the inner surface 114 (fig. 2) of the curved portion 108 is seen in elevation from the central axis 118.

In an embodiment, the bearing 100 may have a laminated structure. More particularly, referring to fig. 2, the bearing 100 may include a substrate 110 coupled with a low friction material 112.

The low friction material 112 may be selected to have a dynamic coefficient of friction, measured relative to the dry steel surface, of less than 0.7, less than 0.65, less than 0.6, less than 0.55, less than 0.5, less than 0.45, less than 0.4, less than 0.35, less than 0.3, less than 0.25, less than 0.2, less than 0.15, or less than 0.1. In an embodiment, the low friction material 112 may have a dynamic coefficient of friction greater than 0.01.

In embodiments, the low friction material 112 may be non-conductive or formed of a material having substantially non-conductive properties. In some applications (e.g., door hinge assemblies), the bearing 100 may be surface treated and painted. Such surface treatments and lacquers may utilize conductive or electrostatic fluids attracted to charged surfaces. Since the bearings typically rotate as part of the door hinge assembly, any dry fluid on the bearings during door rotation may chip or flake off, creating microscopic and macroscopic particles that could potentially damage the surface treatment if landed on other surfaces being treated by airborne transmission. The use of a non-conductive, low-friction material 112 may mitigate such damage because only the curved portion 108 of the bearing 100 is exposed from the component (e.g., a door hinge), and the outermost surface of the curved portion 108 may be formed only by the low-friction material 112.

In another embodiment, the low friction material 112 may comprise a polymer, glass, ceramic, metal, alloy, or a combination thereof. Exemplary polymers include polyketones, aramids, polyimides, polyetherimides, polyphenylene sulfides, polyethersulfones, polysulfones, polyphenylene sulfones, polyamideimides, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, fluoropolymers, polyamides, polybenzimidazoles, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the low friction material 112 includes a fluoropolymer. Exemplary fluoropolymers include Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride (THV), Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethyleneA copolymer (ETFE), an ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE), or any combination thereof. Fluoropolymers are used according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, low friction material 112 may include that sold by Saint-Gobain corporation

Or

And (4) LR. In another particular embodiment, the low friction material 112 may comprise a material sold by Saint-Gobain corporation

Additionally, the bearing 100 may include lubrication. Exemplary lubricants include molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, graphene, expanded graphite, boron nitrate (boron nitrate), talc, calcium fluoride, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the lubricant may include alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, calcium fluoride, boron nitride, mica, wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof.

In embodiments, the substrate 110 may comprise a metal, a ceramic, or a polymer. In a more particular embodiment, the substrate 110 may comprise steel, such as 1008 steel. In particular instances, the substrate 110 can include a relatively flexible material (e.g., having an elastic modulus of less than 250MPa, less than 200MPa, or less than 150 MPa). In certain instances, the substrate 110 formed of a relatively flexible material may facilitate easier formation of the curved portion 108.

In an embodiment, the low friction material 112 may be disposed radially inward of the substrate 110, forming a low friction inner surface 114 of the bearing 100. In an embodiment, the low-friction material 112 may terminate with the substrate 110 at the second axial end 106 of the bearing 100 such that both the low-friction material 112 and the substrate 110 are visible when viewed in a direction parallel to a central axis 118 (fig. 1) of the bearing 100. In another embodiment, either the substrate 110 or the low friction material 112 may be wrapped at least partially around the other of the substrate 110 or the low friction material 112 such that only one of the substrate 110 and the low friction material 112 is visible when viewed from the second axial end 106 in a direction parallel to the central axis 118.

In an embodiment, the substrate 110 may be exposed along at least a portion of the outer surface 116 of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102. That is, the substrate 110 may be visible along the outer surface 116 in a side elevation view. In another embodiment, the substrate 110 may be exposed along the entire outer surface 116 of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102. That is, the outer surface 116 may be formed by the substrate 110. In more particular embodiments, the low friction material 112 may not be visible along the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102 when viewed from an exterior position in a side elevational view. In another embodiment, additional layers (not shown) may be disposed on the substrate 102 to form the outer surface 116. The additional layer may, for example, reduce corrosion or reduce the coefficient of friction of the outer surface 116.

The generally cylindrical sidewall 102 may have a thickness T measured in a radial direction from the central axis 118_SW. In the examples, T_SWMay be at least 0.01mm, at least 0.1mm, at least 0.2mm, at least 0.3mm, at least 0.4mm, at least 0.5mm, at least 0.6mm, at least 0.7mm, at least 0.8mm, at least 0.9mm, at least 1.0mm, at least 1.1mm, at least 1.2mm, at least 1.3mm, at least 1.4mm, or at least 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, T_SWCan be no greater than 10mm, no greater than 9mm, no greater than 8mm, no greater than 7mm, no greater than 6mm, no greater than 5mm, no greater than 4mm, no greater than 3mm, or no greater than 2 mm. Thickness T_SWMay include the thickness T of the substrate_SAnd thickness T of low friction material_LFM. In a particular case, T_SMay be greater than T_LFM. E.g. T_SMay be at least 1.01T_LFMAt least 1.02T_LFMAt least 1.03T_LFMAt least 1.04T_LFMAt least 1.05T_LFMAt least 1.1T_LFMAt least 1.2T_LFMAt least 1.3T_LFMAt least 1.4T_LFMAt least 1.5T_LFMOr at least 2.0T_LFM. In a more particular embodiment, T_SCan be used forNot more than 25T_LFMNot more than 10T_LFMOr not more than 5T_LFM. In another particular case, T_SMay be less than T_LFM. E.g. T_LFMMay be at least 1.01T_SAt least 1.02T_SAt least 1.03T_SAt least 1.04T_SAt least 1.05T_SAt least 1.1T_SAt least 1.2T_SAt least 1.3T_SAt least 1.4T_SAt least 1.5T_SOr at least 2.0T_S. In a more particular embodiment, T_LFMMay be not more than 25T_SNot more than 10T_SOr not more than 5T_S。

In an embodiment, the axial length L of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102, measured in a direction parallel to the central axis 118_SWMay be no less than 25% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 50% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 75% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 100% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 125% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 150% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 175% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 200% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 225% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 250% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 275% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no less than 300% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, or no less than 325% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall. In another embodiment, the LSW may be no greater than 5000% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, no greater than 1000% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102, or no greater than 500% of the diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102.

In an embodiment, the inner surface 114 of the bearing 100 may have a uniform inner diameter measured along the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102. In another embodiment, the inner surface 114 may have a non-uniform diameter measured along the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102. That is, the inner diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102 may vary. In particular embodiments, the innermost diameter of the bearing 100 may be located at a location between the first and second axial ends 104 and 106 of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102.

The inner surface 114 may provide a contact interface with an internal component (e.g., such as a shaft or rod extending through the bearing 100). In embodiments, the generally cylindrical sidewall 102 may elastically or plastically deform upon receipt of the inner component such that the effective use diameter of the inner surface 114 is different than the pre-assembly diameter. In a particular embodiment, the inner surface 114 may have a first shape in a pre-assembled state (i.e., prior to assembly with the inner component) and a second shape different from the first shape in a use state (i.e., after assembly with the inner component).

Referring again to fig. 1, in an embodiment the bearing 100 may further include a gap 120 extending at least partially between the first and second axial ends 104 and 106 of the generally cylindrical sidewall 102. In a more particular embodiment, the gap 120 may extend along the entire axial length of the substantially cylindrical sidewall 102. In yet a more particular embodiment, the gap 120 may extend between a first axial end 122 and a second axial end 124 of the bearing 100. It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the second axial end 124 may correspond to the second axial end 106 of the generally cylindrical sidewall 100.

In embodiments, the curved portion 108 of the bearing 100 may include multiple wraps or substantially concentric layers. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the curved portion 108 may include a double layer thickness. That is, the curved portion 108 may include two

rolls

128 and 130 that are generally coaxial with respect to each other. In embodiments, the

rolls

128 and 130 may extend around or substantially around a central focal point 132 of the curved portion 108. In further embodiments, the curved portion 108 may include at least three rolls, at least four rolls, at least five rolls, or at least six rolls. The number of rolls may be limited by material selection and thickness. In general, the more brittle or less flexible the material, the fewer the number of rolls that may be included in the curved portion 108. Similarly, as the material thickness increases, the number of rolls typically decreases. The bearing 100 according to embodiments described herein may have up to 10, 25 or even 50 coils.

In certain embodiments, the innermost surface 126 of the curved portion 108 may have a generally arcuate cross-sectional profile when viewed in elevation. In particular embodiments, innermost surface 126 may be elliptical or include an elliptical portion. In yet another embodiment, the innermost surface 126 may be substantially circular or oval.

In an embodiment, the curved portion 108 may define a cavity 134 extending at least partially around a circumference of the bearing 100. The cavity 134 may be defined by the innermost surface 126 of the curved portion 108. In another embodiment, the cavity 134 may extend around a majority of the circumference of the bearing 100. In yet another embodiment, the cavity 134 may extend around the entire circumference of the bearing 100. In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may have an elliptical cross-sectional profile as viewed prior to assembly with the external component. In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may define a substantially annular space. In another embodiment, the cavity 134 may define an annular space. As used herein, "substantially annular space" refers to a space that deviates from the best-fit annular shape by no more than 5% at any given location, no more than 4% at any given location, no more than 3% at any given location, no more than 2% at any given location, or no more than 1% at any given location.

In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may be defined by the substrate 110. That is, the cavity 134 may be defined by the substrate 110. As used herein, "defined by a substrate" refers to a state in which a sidewall or a side surface of an object is formed by the substrate. In yet another embodiment, the cavity 134 may not substantially contact the low friction material 112. As used herein, "substantially free of contact with the low friction material" means less than 1cm³Less than 0.5cm³Less than 0.25cm³Or less than 0.1cm³Of the contact of (a). In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may not contact the low friction material 112. In such embodiments, the annular space may be completely bounded by the substrate 110 rather than the low friction material 112.

Referring to FIG. 3, the curved portion 108 of the bearing 100 may have a thickness T measured in a radial direction from the central axis 118 (FIG. 1) that is greater than the generally cylindrical sidewall_SWEffective material thickness T of_CP. For example, in the examplesIn, T_CPMay be at least 101% T_SWAt least 102% T_SWAt least 103% T_SWAt least 104% T_SWAt least 105% T_SWAt least 110% T_SWAt least 120% T_SWAt least 130% T_SWAt least 140% T_SWAt least 150% T_SWAt least 200% T_SWAt least 300% T_SWAt least 400% T_SWOr at least 500% T_SW. In the examples, T_CPMay be not more than 5000% T_SWOr not more than 1000% T_SW. As used herein, "effective thickness" refers to the maximum radial thickness of the curved portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 118 prior to installation (i.e., prior to deformation caused by a loading force during installation). In addition to the diameter of the cavity 134, the effective thickness also includes the thickness of the material within the curved portion. Typically, the effective thickness of the curved portion 108 extends through or near the focal point 132 of the cavity 134, however, it is possible that the effective thickness of the curved portion 108 does not extend through or near the focal point 132 of the cavity 134.

In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may have an initial shape, as seen prior to assembly, and an assembled shape, as seen after assembly, wherein the assembled shape is different from the initial shape. Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the initial shape of the cavity 134a may be generally circular (fig. 4), while the assembled shape of the cavity 134b, as viewed after assembly, may be more polygonal (fig. 5). That is, the initial, innermost surface 126a may be generally circular, while the assembled, innermost surface 126b may have a flat or generally flat portion. The innermost surface 126b is exaggerated in fig. 5 to have a significant flat portion beyond that which may occur during actual assembly. That is, the actual profile of the innermost surface 126b may be different than shown, but may generally have a less arcuate profile.

The bearing 100 may be positioned within the outer member 400 (fig. 4) during assembly. In an embodiment, an inner member (e.g., a shaft or rod) 502 may be at least partially inserted into the bearing 100, and the axial member 500 may be positioned around the inner member 502 such that the axial member 500 contacts the curved portion 108. In another embodiment, the axial member 500 may be positioned relative to the curved portion 108 without the inner member 502.

In certain assemblies (such as the assembly shown in fig. 5), the curved portion 108 may absorb tolerances and misalignments between axially aligned components. In an embodiment, the curved portion 108 may absorb axial misalignment, for example, by collapsing or crushing, while maintaining axial spacing between components (e.g., the outer component 400 and the axial component 500). The collapse may occur at the cavity 134, which may decrease in volume and axial height.

In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may have a first volume measured before assembly and a second volume measured after assembly, wherein the first and second volumes are different from each other. In a particular embodiment, the first volume may be greater than the second volume. In particular embodiments, the first volume can be at least 0.1cm³At least 0.2cm³At least 0.3cm³At least 0.4cm³At least 0.5cm³At least 1cm³Or at least 2cm³. In another embodiment, the first volume may be no greater than 1,000cm³Not greater than 500cm³Not greater than 100cm³Or not more than 10cm³。

In certain embodiments, the cavity 134 may be airtight. In this manner, external fluids, including both liquids and gases, may not penetrate into cavity 134. This may be accomplished, for example, by sealing the cavity 134 with a sealant or material. In particular embodiments, the lumen 134 may be self-sealing. That is, the cavity 134 may be sealed during the formation of the curved portion 108. In an embodiment, forces acting on the curved portion 108 during manufacturing may effectively seal the cavity 134.

In an embodiment, the cavity 134 may have an external pressure P equal to the external pressure outside the cavity 134_EInternal pressure P of_I. In another embodiment, P_IMay be greater than P_E. For example, P_ICan be more than 1.01P_EGreater than 1.05P_EOr greater than 1.1P_E. In another embodiment, P_IMay be less than P_E. For example, P_ICan be less than 0.99P_ELess than 0.95P_EOr less than 0.9P_E. Internal pressure P of cavity 134_IModifications may be made to the specific applications. That is, P_IMay be larger than P for heavy parts_EWherein the axial member 500 may exert a significant weight (e.g., 10,000N) on the curved portion 108.

In an embodiment, the initial height of the curved portion 108 measured in the axial direction prior to assembly may be greater than the assembled height of the curved portion 108 measured in the axial direction after assembly. For example, the assembled height may be no greater than 99% of the initial height, no greater than 98% of the initial height, no greater than 97% of the initial height, no greater than 96% of the initial height, no greater than 95% of the initial height, no greater than 90% of the initial height, no greater than 75% of the initial height, or no greater than 50% of the initial height. In another embodiment, the assembled height may be no less than 10% of the initial height. That is, the curved portion 108 may not collapse more than 90% before installation as compared to after installation.

Referring to fig. 6, in an embodiment, the bearing 100 may be formed from a sheet of material shaped into a generally cylindrical sidewall 600. The material may be laminated to include a substrate and a low friction material. The shaping of the generally cylindrical sidewall 600 may occur by bringing two opposing

edges

604 and 606 of material together toward one another. The generally cylindrical sidewall 600 may include a gap 602 extending along the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall 600. The gap 602 may be welded or held open prior to forming the bend. In an embodiment, the gap 602 may be welded closed prior to forming the curved portion. In another embodiment, the gap 602 may be welded closed after the bent portion is formed.

Referring to fig. 7, after forming the generally cylindrical sidewall 600, a curved portion may be formed by pushing the generally cylindrical sidewall 600 in the direction indicated by arrow 700 toward an element such as a mold 702. An axial end 704a of the generally cylindrical sidewall 600 may first contact the mold 702 at a bend 704, causing the axial end 704a to bend (shown by dashed

lines

704b, 704c, and 704 d). The generally cylindrical sidewall 600 may be urged toward the mold 702 until the proper curvature is sufficiently formed. Additionally, a roll may be formed, for example, by rolling an additional length of the generally cylindrical sidewall 600 into the mold 702.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are exemplary only, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or more of the embodiments listed below.

Embodiment 1. a sliding bearing, comprising:

a generally cylindrical sidewall having a first axial end and a second axial end; and

a curved portion disposed at the first axial end,

wherein the generally cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, wherein the effective material thickness of the curved portion is n times thicker than the thickness of the generally cylindrical sidewall, and wherein n is equal to 2, 3, 4, or even 5.

Embodiment 2. a sliding bearing, comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and

a curved portion adjacent to and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical sidewall,

wherein the plain bearing comprises a substrate and a low friction material, and wherein the low friction material is arranged at the radially innermost, axially uppermost and radially outermost positions of the bearing.

Embodiment 3. a sliding bearing, comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and

wherein:

the bearing comprises a low friction material and a substrate,

the substrate is exposed along a radially outer surface of the substantially cylindrical sidewall, and

the substrate is not visible along the curved portion.

Embodiment 4. a plain bearing comprising a curved portion at an axial end, the curved portion having at least two wraps, such as at least three wraps, at least four wraps, or even at least five wraps.

Embodiment 5. a sliding bearing, comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and

a curved portion contiguous with and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical sidewall, wherein the curved portion has at least two tangent lines parallel to the generally cylindrical sidewall when viewed in cross-section.

Embodiment 6. a sliding bearing, comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and

a curved portion contiguous with and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical sidewall, the curved portion having an axial height measured parallel to a central axis of the bearing, wherein the curved portion is adapted to space two components apart a distance corresponding to the axial height.

Embodiment 7. a sliding bearing, comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and

a flexure portion abutting an axial end of the generally cylindrical sidewall and extending therefrom, wherein the flexure portion is adapted to deform in a direction parallel to a central axis of the bearing upon axial loading so as to absorb misalignment between the two axially aligned components.

Embodiment 8. an assembly, comprising:

an outer member having a bore;

an inner member disposed within the bore;

a plain bearing at least partially disposed between the inner and outer components, the plain bearing comprising:

a substantially cylindrical sidewall; and

wherein the curved portion has an axial height measured parallel to a central axis of the bearing; and

an axial member at least partially supported by the plain bearing and disposed at a distance from the outer member, the distance corresponding to an axial height of the curved portion.

Embodiment 9. the plain bearing or assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the plain bearing includes a generally cylindrical sidewall having a first axial end and a second axial end.

Embodiment 10 the sliding bearing or assembly according to embodiment 9, wherein the generally cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, and wherein the effective material thickness is greater than the thickness of the generally cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 11 the sliding bearing or assembly according to embodiment 10, wherein the effective thickness is at least 101% of the thickness of the substantially cylindrical sidewall, at least 150% of the thickness of the substantially cylindrical sidewall, at least 200% of the thickness of the substantially cylindrical sidewall, or at least 500% of the thickness of the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 12 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall comprises a substrate and a low friction material.

Embodiment 13. the sliding bearing or component according to embodiment 12, wherein the low friction material is laminated to a surface of the substrate.

Embodiment 14. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 12 and 13, wherein the low friction material is laminated to a radially inner surface of the substrate.

Embodiment 15 the slide bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 12-14, wherein the substrate comprises metal, wherein the substrate comprises steel, wherein the substrate comprises 1008 steel.

Embodiment 16. the sliding bearing or component according to any one of embodiments 12-15, wherein the low friction material has a static coefficient of friction, measured relative to a dry steel surface, of less than 0.9, less than 0.85, less than 0.8, less than 0.75, less than 0.7, less than 0.65, less than 0.6, less than 0.55, less than 0.5, less than 0.45, less than 0.4, less than 0.35, less than 0.3, less than 0.25, or less than 0.2.

Embodiment 17 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 12-16, wherein the low friction material comprises a polymer, wherein the low friction material comprises PTFE, wherein the low friction material comprises a glass-containing material, wherein the low friction material comprises a non-conductive material, wherein the low friction material comprises Ekonol

Wherein the low friction material comprises

LR。

Embodiment 18. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 12-17, wherein the low friction material of the substantially cylindrical sidewall is not visible from an external location as seen in a side elevational view.

Embodiment 19. the sliding bearing or component according to any of embodiments 12-18, wherein the substrate is visible from an external position in a side elevational view.

Embodiment 20 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-19, wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, measured in a radial direction, of at least 0.1mm, at least 0.2mm, at least 0.3mm, at least 0.4mm, at least 0.5mm, at least 0.6mm, at least 0.7mm, at least 0.8mm, at least 0.9mm, at least 1.0mm, or at least 1.5 mm.

Embodiment 21 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-20, wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, measured in a radial direction, of no greater than 10mm, no greater than 5mm, no greater than 4mm, no greater than 3mm, or no greater than 2 mm.

Embodiment 22. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any of embodiments 9-21, wherein the first and second axial ends of the generally cylindrical sidewall are spaced apart by an axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, and wherein the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall is no less than 25% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no less than 50% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no less than 75% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no less than 100% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no less than 150% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no less than 200% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall, or no less than 500% of the diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 23. the slide bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-22, wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall abuts the curved portion.

Embodiment 24. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-23, wherein the curved portion abuts the first axial end of the generally cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 25. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-24, wherein an innermost diameter of the bearing is located at a position between the first and second axial ends of the generally cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 26 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-25, wherein an inner diameter of the substantially cylindrical sidewall is uniform as measured along an axial length of the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 27. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-25, wherein an inner diameter of the generally cylindrical sidewall varies as measured along an axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 28. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-27, wherein the second axial end of the substantially cylindrical sidewall coincides with the second axial end of the bearing.

Embodiment 29 the slide bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-28, wherein the generally cylindrical sidewall includes a gap extending at least partially between the first and second axial ends.

Embodiment 30. the sliding bearing or assembly according to embodiment 29, wherein the gap extends completely from the first axial end to the second axial end.

Embodiment 31. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 9-30, wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall is cylindrical.

Embodiment 32. the plain bearing or assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the curved portion is arranged at the first axial end of the substantially cylindrical bearing.

Embodiment 33. the sliding bearing or assembly according to embodiment 32, wherein a portion of the curved portion coincides with the first axial end of the bearing.

Embodiment 34 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 32 and 33, wherein the curved portion has an axial height measured in a direction parallel to a central axis of the bearing, and wherein the axial height of the curved portion is less than the axial length of the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 35. a plain bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 32-34, wherein the curved portion has an axial length that is no greater than 100% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 90% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 80% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 70% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 60% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 50% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 40% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 30% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, no greater than 20% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall, or no greater than 10% of the axial length of the generally cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 36. the sliding bearing or component according to any one of embodiments 32-35, wherein the curved portion has a generally arcuate innermost surface as viewed in cross-sectional elevation.

Embodiment 37 the slide bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 32-36, wherein the curved portion has a plurality of coils, and wherein at least two of the plurality of coils are substantially coaxial with respect to one another.

Embodiment 38. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 32-37, wherein the curved portion has at least two wraps, at least three wraps, at least four wraps, or even at least five wraps.

Embodiment 39 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 32-38, wherein the curved portion has at least two tangent lines parallel to the substantially cylindrical sidewall when viewed in cross-section.

Embodiment 40 the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 32-39, wherein the curved portion comprises a substrate and a low friction material, wherein the substrate and the low friction material are laminated together.

Embodiment 41. the sliding bearing or assembly according to embodiment 40, wherein the low friction material is arranged at the axially uppermost and radially outermost positions of the curved portion.

Embodiment 42. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 40 and 41, wherein the low friction material of the curved portion abuts the low friction material of the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 43 the slide bearing or component according to any one of embodiments 40-42, wherein the substrate of the curved portion abuts the substrate of the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 44. the plain bearing or assembly of any of embodiments 32-43, wherein the curved portion defines a cavity extending at least partially around a circumference of the bearing, wherein the curved portion defines a cavity extending around a majority of the circumference of the bearing, wherein the curved portion defines a cavity extending completely around the circumference of the bearing.

Embodiment 45. the sliding bearing or component according to embodiment 44, wherein the cavity has an elliptical cross-sectional profile as viewed prior to assembly.

Embodiment 46. the plain bearing or assembly of any one of embodiments 44 and 45, wherein the cavity has an initial shape prior to installation and an assembled shape after assembly, and wherein the assembled shape is different from the initial shape.

Embodiment 47. the plain bearing or assembly of any one of embodiments 44-46, wherein the cavity defines a first volume prior to assembly and a second volume after assembly, and wherein the first volume is different than the second volume.

Embodiment 48. the sliding bearing or component of embodiment 47, wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume.

Embodiment 49. the plain bearing or assembly of any one of embodiments 44-48, wherein the cavity is air tight.

Embodiment 50. the slide bearing or component according to any of embodiments 44-49, wherein the cavity is defined by the substrate, wherein the cavity is directly bounded by the substrate, wherein the cavity does not contact a low-friction material.

Embodiment 51. the plain bearing or assembly of any one of embodiments 44-50, wherein the cavity defines a generally annular space, wherein the cavity defines an annular space.

Embodiment 52. the plain bearing or assembly of any of embodiments 44-51, wherein the cavity has an internal pressure equal to an external pressure outside the cavity, wherein the cavity has an internal pressure greater than the external pressure outside the cavity, wherein the cavity has an internal pressure less than the external pressure outside the cavity.

Embodiment 53 the slide bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 44-52, wherein the cavity is sealed, wherein the cavity is self-sealing.

Embodiment 54. the sliding bearing or assembly according to any one of embodiments 44-53, wherein the cavity has an initial height measured in the axial direction prior to assembly, and an assembled height measured in the axial direction after assembly, and wherein the assembled height is less than the initial height, wherein the assembled height is no greater than 99% of the initial height, no greater than 98% of the initial height, no greater than 97% of the initial height, no greater than 96% of the initial height, no greater than 95% of the initial height, no greater than 90% of the initial height, no greater than 75% of the initial height, or no greater than 50% of the initial height.

Embodiment 55. the plain bearing or assembly of any of embodiments 44-54, wherein the cavity has a depth of at least 0.1cm, measured prior to installation³At least 0.2cm³At least 0.3cm³At least 0.4cm³At least 0.5cm³At least 1cm³Or at least 2cm³The internal volume of (a).

Embodiment 56. the sliding bearing or component of any of embodiments 32-55, wherein the curved portion is adapted to deform during assembly to absorb tolerances in the component.

Embodiment 57. the plain bearing or assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the bearing is adapted to be arranged between an inner and an outer member.

Embodiment 58. the sliding bearing of embodiment 57, wherein the inner and outer components are part of a hinge, wherein the hinge is part of a door hinge, wherein the door hinge is part of a door hinge.

Embodiment 59. a hinge including the sliding bearing according to any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-58.

Embodiment 60. a door hinge comprising the sliding bearing according to any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-58.

Embodiment 61 a door hinge including the sliding bearing according to any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-58.

Embodiment 62. a thrust bearing comprising the sliding bearing according to any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-58.

Embodiment 63 a method of forming a sliding bearing, comprising:

providing a sheet of material;

forming the sheet of material into a generally cylindrical sidewall; and

bending an axial end portion of the substantially cylindrical sidewall to form a bent portion.

Embodiment 64. the method of embodiment 63, wherein bending the axial end is performed by pushing the substantially cylindrical sidewall in a direction parallel to a central axis of the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 65 the method of any one of embodiments 63 and 64, wherein bending the axial end is performed by pushing the substantially cylindrical sidewall toward a mold.

Embodiment 66. the method of embodiment 65, wherein the mold comprises a feature having a radius of curvature, and wherein the substantially cylindrical sidewall is urged toward the feature.

Embodiment 67. the method of any of embodiments 63-66, wherein shaping the sheet of material is performed by bringing two opposing edges of the sheet of material together toward each other.

Embodiment 68. the method of any of embodiments 63-67, wherein shaping the sheet of material is performed using a mold.

Embodiment 69 the method of any of embodiments 63-68, wherein bending the axial end is performed after shaping the sheet of material into the substantially cylindrical sidewall.

Embodiment 70. the method of any of embodiments 63-69, further comprising:

the substrate and low friction material are laminated together to form a sheet of material.

Embodiment 71. the method of embodiment 70, wherein laminating the substrate and the low friction material is performed before providing the sheet of material.

Embodiment 72 the method of any of embodiments 63-70, wherein shaping the sheet of material into the substantially cylindrical sidewall is performed forming two axially extending circumferential sides separated by a gap.

Embodiment 73. the method of embodiment 72, further comprising:

the circumferential sides are welded together.

Embodiment 74 the method of embodiment 73, wherein welding is performed after bending the axial ends.

Embodiment 75. the method of embodiment 73, wherein welding is performed after bending the axial ends.

Embodiment 76 a method of using a plain bearing, comprising:

providing an inner member, an outer member having a bore, and a plain bearing having a generally cylindrical sidewall and a curved portion adjacent to and extending from the generally cylindrical sidewall;

inserting the plain bearing into a bore of the outer component or installing the inner component into the plain bearing to form a sub-assembly;

mounting the subassembly with the other of the inner and outer components to create an assembly, wherein the curved portion of the plain bearing extends beyond the bore, and wherein an exposed portion of the curved portion comprises a low friction material; and

mounting an axial member with the assembly, the axial member being spaced from the outer member by an axial height corresponding to an axial height of the curved portion.

It should be noted that not all of the features described above are required, that a portion of a particular feature may not be required, and that one or more features may be provided in addition to those described. Further, the order in which features are described is not necessarily the order in which the features are installed.

Certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all the claims.

The specific description and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The detailed description and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive or comprehensive description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. In addition, reference to a value described by a range includes each value within the range. Many other embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A plain bearing, comprising:

a cylindrical sidewall having a first axial end and a second axial end; and

a curved portion disposed at the first axial end,

wherein the cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, wherein the effective material thickness of the curved portion is n times thicker than the thickness of the cylindrical sidewall, wherein n is equal to 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the curved portion comprises a substrate and a low friction material, wherein the curved portion defines a cavity that extends at least partially around a circumference of the plain bearing, and wherein the cavity is completely bounded by the substrate.

2. A plain bearing, comprising:

a cylindrical sidewall; and

a curved portion abutting and extending from an axial end of the cylindrical sidewall,

wherein:

the bearing comprises a low friction material and a substrate,

the substrate is exposed along a radially outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall, and

the substrate is not visible along the curved portion, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, wherein the effective material thickness of the curved portion is n times thicker than a thickness of the cylindrical sidewall, wherein n is equal to 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the curved portion defines a cavity that extends at least partially around a circumference of the plain bearing, and wherein the cavity is completely bounded by the substrate.

3. A hinge comprising a plain bearing according to any preceding claim.

4. The slide bearing according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, and wherein the effective material thickness is greater than the thickness of the cylindrical sidewall.

5. The slide bearing according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sidewall includes a substrate and a low friction material.

6. The slide bearing according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sidewall includes a gap extending at least partially between the first and second axial ends.

7. The slide bearing according to claim 6, wherein the gap extends completely from the first axial end to the second axial end.

8. The slide bearing according to claim 1, wherein the curved portion has a substantially arcuate innermost surface as viewed in cross-sectional elevation.

9. The plain bearing of claim 1, wherein the curved portion has a plurality of coils, and wherein at least two of the plurality of coils are substantially coaxial with respect to one another.

10. The slide bearing according to claim 1, wherein the curved portion has at least two tangent lines parallel to the cylindrical side wall when viewed in cross section.

11. The plain bearing according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has an initial shape prior to installation and an assembled shape after assembly, and wherein the assembled shape is different from the initial shape.

12. The plain bearing according to claim 1, wherein the cavity defines a first volume prior to assembly and a second volume after assembly, and wherein the first volume is different from the second volume.

13. A method of forming a sliding bearing comprising:

providing a sheet of material;

forming the sheet of material into a cylindrical sidewall; and

bending an axial end portion of the cylindrical sidewall to form a bent portion,

wherein the flexure has an effective material thickness, wherein the effective material thickness of the flexure is n times thicker than a thickness of the cylindrical sidewall, wherein n is equal to 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the flexure comprises a substrate and a low friction material, wherein the flexure defines a cavity extending at least partially around a circumference of the bearing, and wherein the cavity is completely bounded by the substrate.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein bending the axial end is performed by pushing the cylindrical sidewall in a direction parallel to a central axis of the cylindrical sidewall.